EN EN NL NL DE DE FR FR ES ES IT IT PT PT DA DA SV SV NO NO FI FI PL PL ZH ZH RU RU AR AR TR TR CS CS RO RO HU HU LT LT ET ET BG BG HR HR SK SK HE HE JA JA KO KO HI HI UK UK SR SR EL EL SL SL LV LV ID ID
Construction site of a new education building with scaffolding and signage.

Costa del Sol · Spain

Cártama

Situated just 17 kilometers from Málaga, Cártama serves as a strategic gateway between the coast and the Guadalhorce valley. With a population of over 29,000, this historic town, once included in the famous atlas Civitates orbis terrarum, offers a rich blend of history and modern convenience. Its expansive municipal area and excellent transport connections make it an increasingly popular choice for those seeking an authentic Andalusian lifestyle close to the city.

29.333
Population
3868
Sunshine hours/year
77m
Elevation
30
AQI (Fair)
3
Hotels
A park with a playground, grassy areas, and a paved path under a partly cloudy sky.
Alt text: Intricate mosaic floor with geometric patterns and central medallion in a room.
Colorful mural with abstract shapes and three faces on a dark wall.
Sign for "Instituto de Educación Secundaria Cartima" with a green and white logo.

Living & Lifestyle

Cártama is divided into two distinct districts: Cártama Pueblo, the historic white hilltop village, and Cártama Estación, the modern commercial hub located in the valley below. Daily life here is characterized by a strong sense of community and a blend of traditional Spanish culture with the amenities of a modern town. The municipality is one of the most extensive in the province, offering residents a mix of urban accessibility and rural tranquility. With a net annual household income of approximately €33,868 and 141 local businesses, the economy is robust, supporting a high quality of life for its nearly 30,000 inhabitants. The area is particularly attractive to families and professionals looking for more space than the coast offers, while still remaining within the Málaga metropolitan area.
Industrial-style office space with large windows, concrete floor, and wooden accents.

Climate & Weather

The climate in Cártama is typically Mediterranean, offering warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The town enjoys an impressive 3,868 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest locations in Europe. Average temperatures range from a mild 10.9°C in January to a warm 26.2°C in August. Rainfall is concentrated primarily in the winter months, with the region experiencing about 51 days of rain per year. The summer months, particularly June and July, see very little precipitation (1mm to 7mm), allowing for extensive outdoor activities.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 10.8° 16.5°6.1° 46 mm 248h
February 12.2° 17.8°7.3° 32 mm 263h
March 13.8° 19.4°8.6° 99 mm 294h
April 16.1° 21.6°10.6° 47 mm 332h
May 19.9° 25.8°14.0° 24 mm 390h
June 24.4° 30.5°18.0° 4 mm 405h
July 27.2° 33.5°20.8° 1 mm 409h
August 26.9° 33.0°20.9° 8 mm 392h
September 23.4° 29.2°18.0° 22 mm 337h
October 19.6° 25.4°14.6° 59 mm 292h
November 14.6° 20.2°10.0° 61 mm 258h
December 12.0° 17.3°7.7° 47 mm 248h
Modern building with large windows, garden area, and people sitting outside.

Getting Around

Cártama is exceptionally well-connected, sitting just 17km from Málaga city center and a mere 12.5km from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). The town is a key railway hub in the region, served by the Cártama train station which links directly to Málaga and Álora, facilitating easy commutes to the coast. Additionally, the municipality is serviced by public bus routes, with two lines and stops providing local transit. For those traveling further afield, Gibraltar Airport is approximately 90km away, while Alicante-Elche is about 400km distant. This connectivity makes Cártama a practical base for both commuting and international travel.
Classroom with large windows, mountain view, rows of desks and chairs.

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

12.5 km

Gibraltar (GIB)

89.5 km

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

399.5 km

Lines

2

Stops

2

Cycling: - (gradient 0%)

EV Charging Points

  • Atlante ALDI Estacion de Cártama (1.7 km)

Nature & Beaches

While Cártama is an inland town, it is geographically defined by the Guadalhorce River, which provides fertile land and scenic riverbanks. The town is famous for its fortress, the Castillo de Cártama, located on a hill offering panoramic views of the valley, a perfect spot for nature lovers and historians alike. Although there are no beaches directly in the town, the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol are easily accessible via the nearby A-357 motorway, reachable in under 30 minutes by car. The immediate surroundings are characterized by rolling hills, orange groves, and olives trees typical of the Andalusian interior.

Viewpoints

Sports & Recreation

Sports and outdoor activities are a central part of life in Cártama, supported by 37 different sports facilities encompassing over 70 specific spaces. Residents have access to 6 tennis courts, 4 padel courts, and 5 basketball courts, alongside 3 football fields and an athletics track. The town also boasts 4 swimming pools and 3 fully equipped gyms, catering to a wide range of fitness preferences. The surrounding Guadalhorce valley also offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, allowing residents to take full advantage of the region's natural terrain and sunny climate.

Tennis Courts

6

Swimming Pools

4

Gyms

3

Football Fields

3

Padel Courts

4

Basketball Courts

5

Athletics

1

Golf Courses

Hotels & Tourism

3 hotels in Cártama

2★
3

Amenities

Restaurant

1

School

1

Pharmacy

2

Bank

1

Official Statistics

Businesses

141

Housing transactions/year

61

Air Quality

PM2.5

8.1

µg/m³

PM10

17.7

µg/m³

NO²

5.3

µg/m³

Ozone

74.0

µg/m³

UV Index

1.65

Education

Families in Cártama have access to local education facilities within the municipality, including primary and secondary schools. According to municipal data, there is at least one primary school and one secondary school serving the local community. For those seeking international curriculums, the proximity to Málaga city (17km) opens up access to a wide array of prestigious international schools, including the British College of Málaga and the English International College, making the town viable for expatriate families.

Primary Schools

1

Secondary Schools

1

Economy & Income

The economy of Cártama is diverse, supported by its status as a dormitory town for Málaga as well as its own agricultural and commercial sectors. With a median personal income of €16,450 and a household average of €33,868, the town reflects a stable, middle-class demographic. The municipality hosts 141 registered businesses, ranging from local retail to construction services. Real estate is a significant part of the local economy, with a high demand for the 'Finca' style properties that dominate the rural landscape.

Net income/person

€12.950

2023

Net/household

€33.868

Median income

€16.450

Gross/person

€15.602

Local Holidays (34)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Population: 29,333 residents (2025)
  • 17 km from Málaga city and 12.5 km from Málaga Airport
  • 3,868 hours of sunshine per year
  • 37 sports facilities including tennis, padel, and football
  • Average household net income: €33,868
  • Historic 'White Village' split into Pueblo and Estación districts
  • 16 properties currently on the market, averaging €402,125
A spacious living room with large windows showcasing a mountain and city view.

Browse by Property Type

New Build
11 real estate
→
Villas
2 real estate
→
Townhouses
2 real estate
→
Country Houses
11 real estate
→
Land & Plots
1 real estate
→
Properties
1 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in Cártama is distinctively characterized by 'Fincas' and country properties, offering significantly more land than coastal apartments. Currently, there are 16 properties available, with prices ranging from €125,000 to €699,000 and an average price of approximately €402,125. The most common property type is the 'Finca - Cortijo' (11 listings), reflecting the rural character of the area, though detached villas and townhouses are also present. The market attracts buyers looking for privacy, space, and traditional architecture, offering a rustic alternative to the high-rise developments of the coast.
New Build (11) Villas (2) Townhouses (2) Country Houses (11) Land & Plots (1) Properties (1)
Bekijk alle woningen in Cártama →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Cártama from the beach?
Cártama is located inland, approximately 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from the city of Málaga. By car, the nearest beaches on the Costa del Sol can be reached in about 25 to 30 minutes via the A-357 motorway.
What is the difference between Cártama Pueblo and Cártama Estación?
Cártama Pueblo is the historic hilltop center, known for its white-washed houses and the ancient Castillo de Cártama. Cártama Estación is the modern commercial hub located in the valley below, centered around the train station and offering more contemporary amenities and services.
Is Cártama a good location for commuting?
Yes, Cártama is an excellent commuting location. It has its own train station with direct links to Málaga city and Álora, is only 12.5 km from Málaga Airport, and has quick access to the A-357 motorway connecting to the coast.
What types of properties are most common in Cártama?
The Cártama real estate market is dominated by 'Fincas' and 'Cortijos' (traditional country houses), which make up the majority of current listings. These properties offer large plots of land and rural views, though some detached villas and townhouses are also available.
What are the winter temperatures like?
Winters in Cártama are mild compared to northern Europe. The average temperature in January is 10.9°C. While it is the coldest month, the sun still shines frequently, and frost is rare in the town center.
Are there international schools nearby?
While Cártama has its own local primary and secondary schools, the major international schools (such as the British College of Málaga) are located in Málaga city or Fuengirola, roughly 20-30 minutes drive away.
How much does it cost to buy a house in Cártama?
Property prices currently range from €125,000 to €699,000. The average listing price is around €402,000. You generally get more square footage and land for your money here compared to the immediate coast.
vestalinks.com

Worth knowing

Buying Process steps to buy apartment Costa del Sol → Costs & Fees buying costs property Spain percentage → Tax & Legal non-resident property tax Spain explained → Living in Spain living on the Costa del Sol as British expat → New Build new build Costa del Sol 2025 completion overview → Rankings Blue Flag Beaches Costa del Sol 2026 →